A look at the history of the Dodge Viper logo

The 2013 Dodge Viper is set to make is grand debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show in early April but the folks at Drive SRT have offered a look at the three logos that have graced the nose of the American super car leading up to the full debut in a few months.

Since being introduced in 1992, the Dodge Viper has worn two logos with a third set to debut on the upcoming 2013 SRT Viper. The SRT folks offered the image on the right showing the three logos but unlike many new vehicles that are teased and caught in spy shots leading up to the formal debut; Chrysler did an amazing job of hiding away the 2013 Viper from the public until they were good and ready. The first look we got at the 2013 SRT Viper came late last month when they issued a shadowy image of the new supercar’s front end with the Stryker logo on the nose (click here for a look at the first official 2013 Viper teaser). We got our first look at the new 2013 Viper logo after images snuck out of the 2010 Dodge Viper Owners Invitational in Utah and over the past year and a half, Chrysler has shown off the upcoming logo although the actual look of the new Viper has remained a well kept secret.

When the Dodge Viper RT/10 was introduced in 1992, it wore the badge (shown on the left) named Sneaky Pete. That first Viper logo instantly became an icon that is still seen on Dodge apparel and after a 10 year run, Sneaky Pete was replaced with the introduction of the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT10. When that new look Viper was rolled out, it wore a new, more aggressive logo known simply as “Fangs” and that head-on striking snake would remain as the distinct Viper logo until production ended after the 2010 model year. Like Sneaky Pete, Fangs became a popular logo for Dodge and SRT enthusiasts to wear – even when they weren’t Viper owners. Then again, considering that the Viper has made a name for itself as one of the premier American sports cars in automotive history, it is no surprise that Mopar fans are so quick to sport the logo of the high performance coupes and roadsters.

Finally, when the 2013 SRT Viper is introduced in April at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the new Stryker logo will be found inside and out. This new logo shows a snake poised to strike, going so far as to show part of the body coiled around much like a Viper would be in real life when it was preparing the strike at its next victim. The 2013 Viper is expected to be the most aggressive and highest performance car in the storied history of the Viper lineup so it makes good sense that the unique logo would also be the most aggressive of the three logos to grace the nose of America’s ultimate supercar.

Thanks to Max for the tip!